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| Fitting
Tips |
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FITTING TIPS
The 15 Key Test Points for Fit
1. Overall length. A check should be made for the longest
toe, which
can mean any of the first three toes. On average, the
space allowed
should be at least a 1/2 of an inch. Also make sure
there is adequate
toe spread room. Obviously, this will vary with the
toe style of the
shoe.
2. Heel-to-ball. Check for correct mutual ball flex
action between
the foot and shoe in walking. The big toe joint should
fit snugly
into the ball "pocket" of the shoe.
3. Ball-to-toe. You cannot assume that if you've measured
for overall
length and heel-to-ball, then ball-to-toe fit is automatically
correct. There is no "standard" ball-to-toe
or toe length
measurements; therefore, a checkpoint must be tested.
Experiment with
different lasts which may help to achieve both a better
overall and
heel-to-ball fit.
4. Heel-to-outer-ball. This is an important yet commonly
overlooked
fitting check point. The outer ball joint should fit
precisely into
its designated pocket. If both the inner and outer ball
joints are in
proper position in the shoe, we have the ideal situation
for correct
ball flex angle of both foot and shoe in walking. This
assures
comfort and correct tread.
5. Ball width. The width of the ball of the insole to
comply with the
tread width of the ball of the foot. This is determined
by the
comfort level of the customer and the knowledge of the
shoe by the
fitter.
6. Heel fit. The fit of the heel of the foot into the
space, sides
and back, outlined by the counter. The fit should be
snugly cradled.
7. Back of heel. The top edge of the counter should
not bite into the
heel tendon.
8. Quarter top edges. The topling of the quarter beneath
the ankle
bone should not touch the ankle bone themselves.
9. Toplines. The top rime of the shoe should fit snugly
against the
foot.
10. Vamp room. This is the area across the ball at toes
at the top of
the shoe. In a lower heel shoe there should be a mild
looseness of
space allowance here to permit the mild creasing required
for each
foot-flexing step at the ball. For higher heels, much
less space
allowance is required.
11. Tip of little toe. The little toe should be allowed
a certain
amount of freedom to prevent discomfort which could
result in corns.
12. Instep and waist. This is where volume or "inner
space" fit is
tested. Both the instep and waist (between ball and
instep) must fit
snugly without wrinkles or torsion lines.
13. Throat and throatline. The throatline is the rim
of the forward
edge of the shoe's throat. The throatlines should mildly
hug against
the foot. The lower the heel the more room it can accommodate;
whereas, it can be snugger in a high heel shoe.
14. Arch fit. The arch should fit comfortably against
the foot.
15. Tread. Take a walk test to see if the shoe is securely
and flatly
balanced. |
| Source: Professional Shoe Fitting
by: National Shoe Retailers Association |
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